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绢 (táo) is a phono-semantic compound whose structure reflects its meaning of binding and cordage. In its traditional form 綯, the semantic radical 糸 (mì), meaning silk or thread, provides the semantic category, while the right component 匋 (táo), a pottery vessel, supplies the sound. The simplified form 绢 replaces the silk radical with 纟, retaining the same phonetic element. Historically, the character has consistently meant both the act of twisting fibers into rope and the resulting cord used for tying.